How to Change Your Password in Windows 11

Changing Your Password (If You Remember It)

Updating a known Windows 11 password happens entirely inside your account settings.

1. Open Settings ⚙️ by clicking the Start menu ⊞ (the Windows icon at the bottom left) and select Settings. Or press Windows key + I on your keyboard to open Settings ⚙️ quickly.
2. In Settings, click Accounts from the left menu.
3. Then click Sign-in options on the right side.
4. Under “Ways to sign in,” find the Password section and click Change.
5. Follow the instructions: enter your current password, then type a new password twice.
6. Click Finish or Submit, and your password will be updated.

Here is what the Sign-in options screen looks like:

Resetting Your Password (If You Forgot It)

Recovery steps depend on whether the machine relies on a Microsoft account or a local account. Microsoft account resets typically involve an online verification process.

If You Use a Microsoft Account

Online recovery through the Microsoft account recovery page restores access when credentials slip the mind.

1. Go to the Microsoft Account Password Reset page.
2. Follow the instructions to verify your identity and create a new password.
3. Use your new password to sign in to Windows 11.

If You Use a Local Account

Local account recovery relies on the security questions established during setup.

1. On the login screen, enter any password you think might work.
2. If it's wrong, click the Reset password link below the password box.
3. Answer the security questions you set up when creating your account.
4. Enter a new password and confirm it.
5. Sign in with your new password.

Example of the Reset password link on the login screen:

Answer the security questions established during initial setup:

What If You Can't Reset Your Password?

When security questions fail and online recovery yields no results, wiping the machine serves as the final option.

How to Reset Your PC

Factory resets wipe the entire system clean when all other recovery methods fail.

1. On the login screen, click the Power button (bottom-right corner).
2. Hold down the Shift key on your keyboard, then click Restart.
3. When the blue screen appears, click Troubleshoot.
4. Select Reset this PC.
5. Choose Remove Everything to erase all data and reset Windows.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset.

Summary

• Change your password anytime from Windows Settings if you know your current password.
• If you forget your password, reset it using security questions (local account) or Microsoft's online tools (Microsoft account).
• Always keep your security questions and account info updated to avoid problems.
• If everything else fails, reset your PC—but remember this deletes everything!
• Keeping your password safe and up-to-date helps protect your computer and personal data.